Trump Responds To Question About Hunter Case
In a surprising twist on Hugh Hewitt’s radio show, former President Donald Trump hinted that he might consider granting a pardon to Hunter Biden if he’s re-elected in 2024. Trump’s response was unexpected, especially given his consistent criticism of Hunter Biden’s legal issues and the Biden family’s alleged ethical lapses. But, when pressed by Hewitt, Trump said he wouldn’t rule out clemency, adding a layer of intrigue to the 2024 election landscape.
Trump’s remarks were both restrained and revealing. He acknowledged the “bad boy” behavior of the younger Biden and referenced the infamous “laptop from hell,” but shifted to a more pragmatic tone, citing a broader responsibility to the nation’s unity. “It’s very bad for our country,” he said, referring to the fallout from Hunter Biden’s legal troubles. This stance, he suggested, stemmed from a desire to avoid turning the country’s political stage into a punitive battleground, even when past political opponents had “played dirty” with him.
NEW: I asked Trump if he would be open to pardoning Hunter Biden?
“I wouldn’t do anything that would be overt in terms of Hunter, it’s a sad situation,” Trump said. “I’ll bet you the father probably pardons him, we’ll see what happens, but he’s a bad boy, no question about it.” pic.twitter.com/8VQwSRZGKz
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) October 25, 2024
This statement signals a marked shift. For years, Trump’s rally speeches and media appearances have been peppered with critiques of Hunter Biden’s finances and alleged foreign business entanglements, often paired with accusations of preferential treatment from the Department of Justice. Now, however, Trump’s willingness to consider a pardon appears to signal a different approach—a departure from campaign rhetoric centered solely on “lock her up”-style fervor to a more calculated stance on political prosecutions.
Trump has walked a similar line before. As he noted during the interview, despite his supporters’ loud calls to “lock her up” during his 2016 campaign, he ultimately chose not to pursue legal action against Hillary Clinton once he took office. In the case of Hunter Biden, Trump seemed to suggest that taking such a step might ultimately do more harm than good to the country’s sense of stability, especially given how partisan lines have sharply polarized legal actions and investigations.
Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have become a key point for Trump’s base and the GOP. The president’s son has been under the microscope since 2020, initially facing scrutiny over his foreign business dealings and later his personal tax issues and gun-related charges.
The latter charges are tied to a 2018 incident in which Hunter purchased a gun while actively using drugs, an illegal move that recently led him to plead guilty to misdemeanor charges. Initially, a deal was on the table to allow probation rather than jail time, but it was ultimately rejected in court, which has reignited the GOP’s accusations of a “two-tier” justice system.
These accusations have fueled House Republicans’ ongoing investigations into the Biden family, with GOP leaders asserting that Hunter’s foreign dealings not only enriched him but also improperly benefited his father, President Joe Biden. House Republicans argue that these actions signify a larger, systemic problem within the Justice Department, alleging an imbalance in how justice is served depending on political affiliation.
In this context, Trump’s comments hinting at a potential pardon bring new questions to the table. Would this move appeal to undecided voters as a sign of restraint? Or would it simply underscore the challenges of navigating politically sensitive prosecutions, especially as public frustrations with the justice system intensify?